Operations Research Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

SPA’s Sea Land Air (SLA) Division supports a diverse portfolio of national security government clients, including the Undersea Enterprise, the Navy Surface Community, the Navy MPTE Enterprise, the Air Force, Army, DoD Agencies, DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defence Force.  Our primary objective is to provide timely, objective and analytic assessments that integrate the policy, operational, technical, programmatic and acquisition aspects of our clients’ challenges.

Leveraging both in-domain and cross-domain expertise to maximize our clients’ success, SLA Division acts as trusted agents to senior decision-makers and key leaders and excels at providing data driven analytic insights, systems engineering, strategies and plans that address current and emerging challenges to national security.

SPA’s Operations Research and Cyber Analysis (ORCA) Group develops and employs simulation system products in support of operations, experimentation, and the acquisition analysis process. ORCA analysts apply Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) principles and tools to identify and analyze trends in big data to solve real-world problems. ORCA software engineers and cyber security professionals develop, build, and deploy custom hardware and software solutions to meet our client's toughest challenges.

SPA’s ORCA Group is seeking an Operations Research Analyst. SPA employs its simulation system products in support of operations, experimentation, and the acquisition analysis process. Operations Research Analysts at SPA apply Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) principles and tools to identify and analyze trends in big data to solve real-world problems. Candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a team; training will be provided.

#MC

The successful candidate will participate in project teams to: Develop digital models of complex real-world systems using commercial and proprietary software tools, Design, build, and execute constructive simulations by using provided software tools and applying design of experiments best practices, Analyze and synthesize large data sets with various analytic frameworks and statistical methods, Support the preparation of deliverables (presentations, written reports, etc.) to communicate analysis-based findings and recommendations to sponsors and stakeholders, balance tasks across multiple projects concurrently, and regularly communicate progress or challenges to task leads.

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain the top talent.  Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.  

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.  

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.  

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only.  Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  Massachusetts Pay Transparency Range:  $70K – $80K

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Math, Statistics, Engineering, Physical Science, Operations Research, Data Science, or related field
• Experience in data analysis and visualization using Excel, Python, or R
• Ability to develop and apply rigorous and methodical analytic approaches to problem solving
• Ability to demonstrate effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills; a short technical presentation will be part of the interview process
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance and favorable adjudication for Special Access Programs

Desired Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree in Math, Statistics, Engineering, Physical Science, Operations Research, Data Science, or related field
• At least two (2) years of experience in Operations Research and/or Model-based Systems Engineering
• Familiarity or experience with DoD-preferred modeling & simulation tools (e.g. Cameo, AFSIM, STK, MATLAB)
• Current DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility